We were lucky to catch up with Hyeonsu Kim recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hyeonsu, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.

When I first started working at an architecture firm after Pratt, I was deeply engaged in design details and enjoyed the creative side of the work. But I realized that I never thought beyond “someone else will build this.” That changed when I learned about the role of general contractors.

I’ve always loved walking around New York and watching how quickly new buildings rise. There was one building under construction even before I moved here for school, and years later it was still going up. Out of curiosity, I looked it up and discovered it was a firm that did both design and construction. I reached out right away, and that’s how I made the leap.

It was a big shift—moving from residential design projects to designing a bank and then seeing my drawings come to life on-site. I began learning directly how construction works, from permits to coordination, and I found it incredibly rewarding. Looking back, coming to New York for Pratt, deciding to stay and work here, and then stepping into construction have all been risks in their own way. But each step has drawn me deeper into the industry, and I’m grateful that I chose to take them.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I’m an architectural and interior designer based in New York. My journey began when I came to the city to study Interior Design at Pratt Institute. What started as a passion for design details and spatial aesthetics gradually expanded into a curiosity about the larger building industry—how ideas move from drawings to reality.

I began my career at a design-focused architecture firm, working on residential projects, but I soon realized I wanted to understand the full process. That led me to join a construction company where I could see both sides—design and execution. Since then, I’ve been involved in projects ranging from residential interiors to commercial spaces, including the design of a bank branch that I also helped oversee during construction. That project, which I designed independently, was especially meaningful—it earned me a plaque of appreciation from the client and has been selected as a winner in the Commercial Rehabilitation & Alteration category by the Queens Chamber of Commerce, with the award to be presented soon. Experiencing my design being built, and learning how architects, contractors, and engineers collaborate, has been one of the most rewarding parts of my career so far.

What sets me apart is my ability to bridge the gap between design and construction. I don’t just create spaces on paper—I also understand what it takes to make them real, from technical details to project coordination. I take pride in being adaptable, curious, and always willing to step into new challenges, whether it was moving to New York, transitioning from design to construction, or working across different project types.

What I’d like people to know about my work is that I approach every project with both creativity and practicality. Design should be inspiring, but it also has to function, meet codes, and respect budgets. I’m proud of having grown in an industry as dynamic as New York’s, and I look forward to continuing to shape spaces that people can experience every day.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

For me, the most rewarding aspect is seeing a design evolve from sketches and revisions into a finished space. The creative process can be intense—ideas are tested, refined, and challenged—but once it comes together, there’s nothing like seeing it built. Knowing that people will use and experience the space for years to come makes all the effort worthwhile.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

My goal is to keep exploring different types of spaces and projects—each one offers something new to learn. At the same time, I want to develop the ability to master a single space in depth, creating something truly well-crafted and complete. I don’t want to limit myself to interiors alone; I also want to expand into architecture, so I can approach design in a more holistic way. That balance of breadth and depth is what drives me forward.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://hkim229.wixsite.com/portfolio
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hyeonsu-kim-004534260